The first time IT happened I chalked it up as an unfortunate anomaly.  IT happened at work, and involved a man who knows me really well, but who I do not turn to for any real emotional support (we don’t have that kind of relationship).  But, this time was different.  I was with a group of female friends who had gotten together for some serious bonding time.  We were comparing notes…I commented on how nice it was to have my college-aged niece stay with me over Thanksgiving break. Later, the friend in this group with whom I am the closest, who I will call Madge, started relaying a slight she received at work.  After Madge described how she was hurt, she went on to disparage the offending colleague by exclaiming that this woman has no children, and therefore she has NOTHING.  She then punctuated the point by sneering about how this colleague works with her nephew (huh?).  I was dumbfounded to say the least.  Both the man at my work and Madge know I tried unsuccessfully to have kids.  I don’t believe that either person meant to be malicious, but to say that a person has NOTHING if they don’t have kids as a way to disparage someone in conversation is insensitive at the very least.  I am still incredulous and am still trying to wrap my head around this new way to insult someone behind their back (and, unwittingly to my face).  I am also still wishing I could have regained my composure quick enough to have quipped with a meaningful and pointed response.  What are your thoughts?  What would you have done or said?